Mercedes-Benz SL-Class vs Audi RSQ8

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class starts from $239,900 before on-road costs, while the Audi RSQ8 opens at $239,900. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $263,890 and $263,890 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class by roughly $4,560 in fuel alone.

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi RSQ8 gets a 10.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, Burmester audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Audi RSQ8. The Audi RSQ8 counters with Apple CarPlay, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class gets nappa leather upholstery while the Audi RSQ8 offers leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and 3-zone in the Audi RSQ8.

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class uses a Petrol producing 280kW and 480Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds.

The Audi RSQ8 responds with a Petrol making 471kW and 850Nm, paired to a 8-speed auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds.

The Audi RSQ8 has the clear power advantage at 471kW vs 280kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi RSQ8 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class measures 4,705mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 307mm shorter than the Audi RSQ8 at 5,012mm (2,998mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi RSQ8 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 213L in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and 605L in the Audi RSQ8, giving the Audi RSQ8 a 392L advantage. The Audi RSQ8 seats 5 vs 2.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,565/year for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and $3,477/year for the Audi RSQ8. That is a $912 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

Estimated annual total: $2,565 (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class) vs $3,477 (Audi RSQ8). The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class saves you roughly $912 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz SL-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi RSQ8). Both match on warranty length.